Marx injury hurts Hertha
Monday, September 15, 2003
Article summary
Hertha BSC Berlin defender Thorben Marx has been ruled out for six months with a ruptured cruciate ligament.
Article body
Germany Under-21 defender Thorben Marx has been ruled out for the next six months after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee.
New deal
The 22-year-old was hurt after just ten minutes of Hertha BSC Berlin's 3-2 defeat by Hannover 96 at the weekend. The player, who has just extended his contract with the Bundesliga club until 2006, had been an ever-present for Hertha so far this season.
Bitter blow
Hertha commercial manager Dieter Hoeness said: "This is bitter as he belonged to our regulars." It is a major setback for Hertha, who have made a disappointing start to the new season. They have yet to win in the league and are 16th in the 18-team table.
Change needed
It is not the first time Marx has suffered such an injury, falling victim to a similar problem with his right knee in 1998. Hertha coach Huub Stevens will now have to reshuffle his defence for the UEFA Cup first-round tie against Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski, which will be played on 24 September and 15 October.
